Cerecloth

/ˈsɪərklɔːθ/ noun

Definition

A cloth treated with wax, historically used to wrap dead bodies for burial or to cover religious objects.

Etymology

From Middle English cere (wax, from Latin cera) and cloth. Cerecloth has been used since the Middle Ages as a practical material for preserving bodies before refrigeration.

Kelly Says

Cerecloth connects to the Egyptian practice of mummification—wrapping bodies in waxed cloth preserves them by sealing out air and moisture, which is why King Tut is still recognizable.

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